Policy Analyst, State and Local

Profile

Policy Analyst, State and Local
Duties: Work with the policy, litigation, direct service, and communications teams to identify advocacy priorities and strategies to protect the rights of immigrants, particularly at the state and local levels. Analyze laws and policies and collaborate with grassroots groups, advocacy groups, and legal aid organizations in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, and other Midwest states to identify common priorities and strategies to protect those who are targets of immigration enforcement, detention and deportation. Participate in formal and informal coalitions of legal aid and advocacy organizations to advocate for policy reform; draft and edit statements, reports, sign-on letters, and other jointly-produced products. Gather data and engage in policy and legal research as necessary to support advocacy and educational materials on emerging policy issues. Draft fact sheets, reports, etc. regarding state and local legislation/policies as it relates to immigrants. Represent the firm in regular Chicago Legal Protection Fund meetings and work with the legal teams to advance legal protections. Assist in identifying and working with the clients and former clients who are interested in working with the communications and policy teams to advance proposed reforms. Collaborate with community-based partners and the litigation and legal services teams to advocate for state and local legislation/policies and monitor implementation of immigration policies, legal settlements, and recent state-wide legislation. Develop and implement advocacy strategies around accountability measures for non-compliance. Collaborate with the policy, legal services and communications team to jointly lead the support for local campaigns to close immigration detention facilities, secure the release of individuals in ICE custody, and advance fully funded universal representation programming for immigrants facing immigration court proceedings in Illinois. Serve as point of contact for members of the Illinois General Assembly, Cook County board members, City of Chicago Alderpersons, and other local and state officials. Provide community presentations on state and local legislation. Represent the firm and its priorities at external meetings and identify ways to effectively communicate the policy recommendations to community partners and policymakers. Participate in grant proposal development, editing, review and submission. Closely monitor legal, policy, and political developments with regard to immigration detention and enforcement and create and implement rapid response advocacy strategies when necessary.

Qualification and Experience

Qualifications: Must have 2+ years of related professional experience. A Law degree or other graduate degree is desired. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret regulations, legislation, including immigration laws and regulations, legal memos, case law, and related materials. Spanish language abilities are a plus. Previous experience with immigration law and/or policy is an asset. Experience making public presentations and preparing and delivering testimony to committees of the government. Experience creating persuasive written documents for external consumption. Experience analyzing the complex policy arena and crafting appropriate responses.

Company info

Hiring Coordinator
National Immigrant Justice Center
208 S. La Salle St.
Suite 1818
Chicago, IL 60604